Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Officials offer $5K reward for info on South Shore building blaze that sparked brush fires
The origin and cause of the fire in Kingston is under investigation.
Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information as officials investigate a blaze at a building site in Kingston earlier this month that sparked brush fires in the surrounding area.
Firefighters responded to the fire at 123 Wapping Rd. just after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services. At the site, they found the building that was under construction, a two-story, wood-framed structure, fully engulfed in flames and nearby brush burning as well. The building began to collapse shortly after firefighters arrived at the scene, sending embers into the surrounding area, sparking brush fires around the site and across the street, officials said.
Advertisement:
It took firefighters about three hours to contain the fires and prevent them from spreading to other wooded areas, according to the state.
The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated by state and local officials.
“This was a difficult and dangerous fire with the potential for much greater spread due to the ongoing drought conditions,” officials said in a statement. “We’re asking anyone with information on the cause to share it with investigators. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.”
Anyone with information about the blaze can call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-682-9229.
Advertisement:
With most of Massachusetts under a critical drought, wildfires have been burning through the state since late October. Officials said recent precipitation helped alleviate the red flag conditions but that the risk of fires remains.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com